Below is a summary of the hearing on January 11, 2023 between The People of Binghamton vs. Isaac Anzaroot. The hearing addressed multiple code violations committed by Isaac Anzaroot and his property management in Binghamton, NY. He is known for his mismanagement of the Masonic Temple rehabilitation, 95 Court Street condemnation by code, and countless reports … [Read more...] about The People vs. Isaac Anzaroot
Six Restore NY Applications Submitted from Broome County Governments: Here’s a List of the Vacant Properties Prioritized and Proposed Projects
As reported here in June, New York leaders supercharged its most successful blight elimination grant program, Restore NY, with a $250 million allocation in the state’s 2022-2023 budget. The Restore NY program is managed by Empire State Development (ESD), the state’s economic development agency. ESD announced this summer that the $250 million in Restore NY … [Read more...] about Six Restore NY Applications Submitted from Broome County Governments: Here’s a List of the Vacant Properties Prioritized and Proposed Projects
Rally at JC Court in Support of Eviction Defense Advocates
Community Members to Rally at JC Court in Support of Eviction Defense Advocates JOHNSON CITY—In early April 2022, neighboring tenants at 149 Hudson St, Johnson City received a series of informal notices directing them to vacate the property by May 1st. These notices of eviction were not prompted by failure to pay rent or any violation of existing rental … [Read more...] about Rally at JC Court in Support of Eviction Defense Advocates
Open Letter to Binghamton Officials on Proposed Code Enforcement Reforms
April 3, 2022 Dear Council Members, I am writing about the code enforcement proposals recently announced by Mayor Kraham. While I support the overall efforts, the statements made by the Mayor and Councilmembers are a bit overstated. Moreover, the reforms don’t really solve the specific concerns expressed by the same officials. Or they simply … [Read more...] about Open Letter to Binghamton Officials on Proposed Code Enforcement Reforms
Mayor David Breaks Promise: Purchases Rental Property under Secret LLC
In an April 28, 2017 Press and Sun Bulletin article about Mayor David's real estate holdings and potential conflicts of interest, the reporter noted that Rich David made a promise not to purchase any properties while serving as Mayor. "While he's mayor, though, he will not purchase any commercial properties, he said in a March interview, a nod to questions … [Read more...] about Mayor David Breaks Promise: Purchases Rental Property under Secret LLC
SlumShame Tackles Housing Issues
A new group named SlumShame has sprung up after the revelations about alleged slumlord Anzaroot. The group is still formulating its mission and strategy and is working on a website (slumshame.com). The Bridge has covered housing issues for several years. To find these articles search the www.binghamtonbridge.org with "housing". To get in contact with … [Read more...] about SlumShame Tackles Housing Issues
Town and Country Residents Demand Better Living Conditions
Binghamton, NY–Tenants and housing justice advocates with Citizen Action of New York will host a press conference on Friday, April 30, at 11 a.m. at the Town and Country housing complex to demand better living conditions. Tenants will be presenting a list of demands to hold the property management company accountable for failure to address code violations … [Read more...] about Town and Country Residents Demand Better Living Conditions
$48 Million for An Equitable Recovery in Binghamton: Commit at Least Half to Housing Justice
As reported previously here at The Bridge, Binghamton is in line for $48 million in flexible federal aid to support recovery efforts as we emerge from the crushing impacts and trauma wrought by the pandemic. The first $24 million is expected by May 10, and the second half will be wired by the US Treasury around May 2022. The deadline to spend funds is … [Read more...] about $48 Million for An Equitable Recovery in Binghamton: Commit at Least Half to Housing Justice
The Federal Aid Windfall is not a Political Slush Fund: Here’s Why the Smart Move from Local Leaders Right Now is Patience
Local leaders all over the country—Republican and Democrats—are elated by the eye-popping federal aid awards included in Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. As reported previously here at The Bridge, the City of Binghamton is slated to receive about $48 million, and the Town of Union is in line for $32 million. The U.S. Treasury is required to … [Read more...] about The Federal Aid Windfall is not a Political Slush Fund: Here’s Why the Smart Move from Local Leaders Right Now is Patience
The Money Coming to Local Governments under Biden’s American Rescue Plan is Staggering and Fully Flexible: We Must Not Let Mayors, County Executives, and Governors Squander this Unprecedented Opportunity
Back in 2009 and 2010, as local governments started to drown in the wreckage of the Great Recession, Washington didn’t even bother to show up to lend a hand. Our federal leaders from both parties were too busy shoveling tax dollars to the very same Wall Street firms that imploded our economy and ultimately wiped-out billions in household wealth, with Black … [Read more...] about The Money Coming to Local Governments under Biden’s American Rescue Plan is Staggering and Fully Flexible: We Must Not Let Mayors, County Executives, and Governors Squander this Unprecedented Opportunity
